Strategic Market Leadership

Decision-making is not an easy process for anyone – especially for those in leadership. When a leader makes a decision – for better or worse – it affects those being led as well as the leader personally.

Indeed, poor decisions and mistakes affect the lives of others and sometimes the consequences are extensive and can have a lasting effect (most of us can probably think of at least one example of a poor decision that affected a wide circle of individuals).

Recognition is an important tool for those who are leaders. And it is a tool that can be used as a positive way to encourage members of our team.

Or, alternately, not so much. I was with a leader-friend this week who works almost full-time at no charge for a non-profit organization. He seemed a bit “down” and so I asked him what was on his mind.

This week I received a call from a friend asking about the social media services we provide for select clientele through our media services team.

Evidently their company had received a negative review on the Yelp website - and they were therefore seeking advice regarding how to respond. During our discussion I learned that their company did not have a clear strategy for social media engagement.

In recent months, I am finding more and more leaders of businesses and organizations who find themselves in similar circumstances.

As the summer approaches for our Northern Hemisphere readers, now is a good time to consider, plan, and schedule a break from the day-to-day grind of continuous activity.

Although entrepreneurs and strong, capable leaders can find it difficult to “pull the plug” of continuous activity, it is a proven fact that taking time away from leadership responsibilities to rest, relax and get refreshed will actually lead to improved performance after the rest period.

"It ain't the heat, it's the humility."

- Yogi Berra (pictured above)

As I observe the character and practice of the leaders I admire, an attribute that consistently stands out to me is their humility. This characteristic is expressed in a number of ways that are worth pondering: